In other Terrebonne Parish School Board action: Nov. 21, 2012

The following is a rundown of all action taken Tuesday by the Terrebonne Parish School Board.

The following is a rundown of all action taken Tuesday by the Terrebonne Parish School Board. All board members were present.

Action: Distributed $12,119.16 collected from the consolidated fund drive to several school organizations.

Action: Approved changes to the policy governing the powers of the School Board including removing board power to make personnel appointments and several minor language changes. NOTE: These actions bring the board in line with new state laws.

Action: Approved minor language changes to bring the policy regarding making board policy in line with new state laws.

Action: Approved changes to board policies regarding employee grievances. Dismissal or termination can no longer be considered a reason to file a grievance.

Action: Approved language changes to the board policy regarding the number of personnel slots in the school system.

Action: Approved changes to board policy so employee performance is factored into employee pay, as required by new state laws.

Action: Approved changes to board policy regarding teacher evaluations to bring them in line with the new statewide evaluation process created this year. Added a method for employees to contest the results of their evaluation.

Action: Simplified the board policy governing promotions.

Action: Changed the board policy regarding transfers, placing more authority in the hands of principals and superintendents to move personnel.

Action: Changed board policy about reductions in force — layoffs caused by budget cuts — so layoffs are based solely on job performance as measured through teacher evaluations.NOTE: These changes are required by new state laws.

Action: Changed board policy about resignations — the superintendent, not the School Board, now accepts resignations.NOTE: These changes are required by new state laws.

Action: Changed board policy about disciplinary actions. The superintendent and school principals, not the board, are now responsible for disciplinary actions against employees. NOTE: These changes are required by new state laws.

Action: Changed board policies governing leaves of absence, sabbaticals, sick leave and time off. The superintendent and principals, not the School Board, are now in charge of approving those absences.

Action: Changed board policy governing investigation of suspicious circumstances. In-house investigations are now handled by the superintendent, not the board.

Action: Approved a family and medical leave for Sunny Ockman, teacher at Schriever Elementary from Dec. 12 to April 1 for care of a newborn.

Action: Approved a medical sabbatical leave of absence for Ramona Kimble for the spring semester.

Action: Approved the school calendar for next year. NOTE: Read Thursday's edition of The Courier and The Daily Comet for a full story on the calendar.

The next regular School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the School Board office, 201 Stadium Drive in Houma. All board meetings are open to the public. Anyone can comment on any item before the board.